Kom Targets Podium

India’s five-time world champion, MC Mary Kom, said a podium finish in the London 2012 Olympic Games would give her the freedom to leave the ring on a high.

The 29-year-old Manipuri, who is a living legend in women’s boxing and nicknamed ‘Magnificent Mary’ by the International body, leaves for the World Championships in Qinhuangdao, China, which started on Wednesday, 9 May.

Women’s boxing makes its debut at the Olympics in London this July in three weight categories- 51kg, 60kg and 75kg – giving Mary Kom a chance to add a title that would complete her decorated cupboard.

“I am at my best right now and Olympic is my biggest dream. If I win a medal there, it will set me free as far as my future is concerned. I might continue or might decide to go,” Mary Kom said ahead of the 10-member team’s departure on Tuesday.

After over a decade inside the ring, the mother-of-two has achieved everything that is there to be achieved inside the ring and she says even if a medal doesn’t come in London, she would be content with what she has done.

“It is important that I get the Olympic medal but it is not everything. After fighting it out for over 10 years, I have got nothing to prove,” she asserted.

“Besides, if I put too much pressure on myself, I might not be able to do well. I have to take it one bout at a time,” she said.

She expects the competition to be tougher than ever, given that an Olympics berth is at stake.

“I can’t take anyone lightly. I have to take each of my opponents very seriously, concentrate hard and remain confident without taking too much pressure. That’s a lot of work,” she chuckled.

Apart from Mary Kom, Asian champion L Sarita Devi (60kg) and Pooja Rani (75kg) are the other Indian competitors in the Olympic categories and national coach Anoop Kumar is quite optimistic about their chances as well.